Have Your Say

Display of Apologies at Parliament House

Three formal apologies issued by the Parliament and the Government are on display in the entrance lobby of the Parliamentary Annexe Building and members of the public are most welcome to view these.

The Parliamentary Annexe Building is located on Alice Street in the Brisbane central business district, (opposite William Street) and is open during business hours. To view the apologies, please enter the Parliamentary Annexe Building and advise staff at the entrance. The apologies are displayed just inside the entrance foyer.

Details and photos of each of the apologies is below-

“Apology to those harmed in Queensland institutions during their childhood signed by the Government in collaboration with churches.”

This apology was issued in August 1999 by the Queensland Government and churches following the Forde Inquiry’s Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions. This apology was formerly on display in another area of the parliamentary complex but in January 2013 was relocated to this more prominent position.

“Apology to those who as children in the care of the State of Queensland suffered in any way while resident in an adult mental health facility.”

This apology was issued in March 2010 by the Queensland Government following a 15-year campaign for recognition by persons who as children were inappropriately placed in adult mental health facilities. The Forde Inquiry terms of reference did not cover these instances or make redress for the abuse and suffering that occurred in these institutions. This apology was placed on display in the Parliamentary Annexe in January 2013 with the Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Fiona Simpson, MP formally acknowledging the display in Parliament on 6 March 2013. The Speaker’s Statement about the display of this apology can be viewed here.

“Apology for past forced adoption practices”

This apology was issued by the Queensland Parliament on 27 November 2012 following a recommendation of the Australian Government Senate Committee Inquiry on the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices. The Queensland Parliament’s motion of this apology can be viewed here. This apology was placed on display in the Parliamentary Annexe in January 2013.